Abuse of prescriptive drugs still a public threat – NAFDAC

Acting Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) Mrs Yetunde Oni has said drug abuse particularly the abuse of prescription medicines continues to be a threat to public health. She said as a result of this, the federal government is in the process of conducting a national  drug […]

Acting Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) Mrs Yetunde Oni has said drug abuse particularly the abuse of prescription medicines continues to be a threat to public health.
She said as a result of this, the federal government is in the process of conducting a national  drug use survey to guide regulatory action, and the development of drug prevention and treatment strategies in the country.
Speaking during the dissemination of the 2015 annual report of the International Narcotics Control Board  (INCB) in Abuja, she said the outcome of the survey is expected to help address drug problems including the New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) which are beyond the purview of the  three international drug control conventions.
Oni said that the availability of Opioids for treatment of pain continues to be a matter of concern in Nigeria.
Country Representative of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Cristina Albertin   called on the government to address the manufacture and supply of illicit drugs in the country.
 She said  while over 600 drugs have been discovered, people often think of cannabis, heroine and cocaine when drugs is mentioned, adding that  the INCB report calls on countries to ensure a balance drug policy by prioritizing the health and welfare of their citizens , through ensuring availability of drugs for medical purposes and reducing the illicit supply of drugs.
Chairman, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Col. Muhammad  Abdallah (Rtd)   said there was an upward trend in the use of Tramadol over the past years and two significant seizures and arrests of suspects including the arrest of two pharmacists have been made.